AN intergalatic battle of the geeks broke out in Norwich when Star Wars and Doctor Who fans clashed.

Police were called to a sci-fi convention at the University of East Anglia in Norwich after fans of the two franchises were involved in an altercation.

Troube flared when members of the Norwich Sci-Fi Club were refused entry to the fair hosted by the Norwich Star Wars Club.

More than a dozen sci-fi fans from both groups, including some in fancy dress, were involved in the confrontation after a member of the Norwich Sci-Fi Club attempted to get an autograph from Doctor Who actor Graham Cole.

Jim Poole, treasurer of Norwich Sci-Fi Club, told the BBC there was a history of rivalry and disputes between the two clubs.

He and a friend attended the covention hoping to get the autographs of actors Graham Cole and Jeremy Bulloch for a charity Doctor Who diary.

Mr Poole said he received verbal abuse from a member of the rival club and called the police.

He said: "I was put in a police car. We were both interviewed by the police and told to stay away from each other.

"This wasn't a fight between Star Wars fans and Doctor Who fans with lightsabers and sonic screwdrivers drawn.

"It's a bit sad and pathetic. We're all in the same boat. We're not in competition.

"We'd like to extend the hand of friendship."

Sci-fi fans had to be separated after a Star Wars convention was gate-crashed by fans of Doctor Who

People that dress up in costume are labelled geeks and some people laugh at us, and this just makes it even more so.

Dominic Warner, secretary of the Norwich Star Wars Club

Mr Poole said his club may employ security guards at its own convention in September in case the turf war reignites.

But Dominic Warner, secretary of the Norwich Star Wars Club, appeared to extend the hand of friendship to his Doctor Who counterparts.

He said: "It's been blown up as if it was a fight. There was no fighting."

"There is no bad feeling between the two clubs. We have never interfered with them.

"It does sound comical. People that dress up in costume are labelled geeks and some people laugh at us, and this just makes it even more so."